Living Water: Conquering Death Through the Gospel

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, verses 13 and 14, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her "living water" that quenches all thirst. This encounter is a profound illustration of the all-sufficiency of the Gospel. The world, represented by the well's water, can never truly satisfy our deepest needs. In contrast, the living water that Jesus offers is a source of eternal satisfaction, addressing not only our intellectual and moral dilemmas but also the ultimate problem of death.

The Gospel's promise is that those who drink of this living water will never thirst again, meaning they will never experience ultimate need or emptiness. This claim is tested against the greatest human fear: death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Easter, is the ultimate proof that the Gospel does not fail us, even in the face of death. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that changes everything for believers.

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the fear of death, as seen in literature, philosophy, and religion. Yet, none have provided a satisfactory answer. The Gospel, however, offers a unique and definitive solution. Jesus, through His resurrection, has abolished death, bringing life and immortality to light. This victory over death removes its sting and transforms it from a fearsome enemy into a defeated foe.

The resurrection assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life. It promises a glorified existence, free from sin, sorrow, and death. This hope is not mere speculation but is grounded in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. The Gospel, therefore, is not just a message of hope for the future but a present reality that empowers believers to live triumphantly, even in the face of death.

Key Takeaways:

- The living water Jesus offers is a metaphor for the Gospel's all-sufficiency, providing eternal satisfaction and addressing our deepest needs, including the fear of death. [02:15]

- The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian hope, demonstrating the Gospel's power to conquer death and offering believers the assurance of their own resurrection. [06:11]

- Throughout history, humanity has sought answers to the problem of death, but only the Gospel provides a definitive and satisfying solution, transforming death from a fearsome enemy into a defeated foe. [13:58]

- The resurrection not only assures believers of eternal life but also transforms their present reality, enabling them to live with hope and confidence, free from the fear of death. [32:00]

- The promise of a glorified existence, free from sin and sorrow, is a central tenet of the Gospel, offering believers a vision of eternal life with God, where they will see Him face to face. [41:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Living Water
- [01:26] - The All-Sufficiency of the Gospel
- [02:54] - Addressing Intellectual and Moral Dilemmas
- [04:47] - The Ultimate Problem: Death
- [06:11] - Easter: The Answer to Death
- [07:15] - The Problem of Death Through History
- [09:19] - The Inadequacy of Other Religions
- [11:28] - Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives
- [13:38] - The Limitations of Spiritualism
- [15:15] - Old Testament Perspectives on Death
- [16:15] - The New Testament's Triumph Over Death
- [17:54] - The Unique Authority of Jesus
- [22:39] - Jesus' Teachings on Death and Resurrection
- [29:28] - The Reality of the Resurrection
- [32:00] - The Message of the Resurrection for Believers
- [39:33] - Life and Immortality Through the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 4:13-14

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He offers the Samaritan woman "living water" in John 4:13-14? How does this contrast with the water from the well? [00:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the world's inability to satisfy our deepest needs, as represented by the well's water? [01:57]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' resurrection in the context of the Gospel's promise of eternal satisfaction? [06:11]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the historical struggle of humanity with the fear of death? [07:15]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the "living water" that Jesus offers address both intellectual and moral dilemmas, according to the sermon? [02:54]
2. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a cornerstone for Christian hope, and what implications does it have for believers facing death? [06:11]
3. The sermon claims that only the Gospel provides a definitive solution to the problem of death. How does this claim challenge other philosophical and religious perspectives? [09:19]
4. How does the promise of a glorified existence, free from sin and sorrow, shape a believer's understanding of eternal life with God? [41:39]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought satisfaction from worldly sources. How did that experience compare to the satisfaction promised by the "living water" of the Gospel? [01:57]
2. How does the assurance of resurrection and eternal life influence your daily life and decisions? Are there specific areas where this assurance could bring more hope and confidence? [32:00]
3. The sermon discusses the fear of death as a common human experience. How do you personally grapple with this fear, and how can the Gospel's promise of victory over death transform your perspective? [07:15]
4. Consider the historical reality of Christ's resurrection. How does this historical event impact your faith and the way you share the Gospel with others? [29:53]
5. The sermon emphasizes living triumphantly in the present because of the Gospel's power. What practical steps can you take to live more triumphantly in your current circumstances? [32:00]
6. How can the vision of a glorified existence with God, free from sin and sorrow, motivate you to pursue holiness and deeper intimacy with God in your life today? [41:39]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel a sense of emptiness or need. How can you invite Jesus to fill that void with His "living water"? [02:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The All-Sufficiency of the Gospel's Living Water
The living water that Jesus offers to the Samaritan woman at the well is a profound metaphor for the Gospel's all-sufficiency. This living water is not just a temporary relief but an eternal source of satisfaction that quenches our deepest spiritual thirst. Unlike the temporary solutions the world offers, which can never truly satisfy, the living water addresses our intellectual, moral, and existential dilemmas, including the fear of death. Jesus promises that those who drink of this water will never thirst again, signifying a life free from ultimate need or emptiness. This promise is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which provides a definitive solution to the human condition. [02:15]

Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."

Reflection: What are the "wells" in your life that you turn to for satisfaction, and how can you begin to seek the living water that Jesus offers instead?


Day 2: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Hope
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian hope, demonstrating the Gospel's power to conquer death. This historical event is not just a past occurrence but a transformative reality that assures believers of their own future resurrection. The resurrection is the ultimate proof that the Gospel does not fail, even in the face of death. It offers believers the assurance of eternal life and a glorified existence, free from sin, sorrow, and death. This hope is not speculative but grounded in the historical reality of Christ's resurrection, empowering believers to live triumphantly. [06:11]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's resurrection influence the way you face challenges and uncertainties in your life today?


Day 3: The Gospel's Unique Solution to Death
Throughout history, humanity has sought answers to the problem of death, but only the Gospel provides a definitive and satisfying solution. The resurrection of Jesus transforms death from a fearsome enemy into a defeated foe. This victory over death removes its sting and assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life. The Gospel's promise of life and immortality is a unique and definitive answer to the existential fear of death, offering believers a hope that transcends the limitations of human understanding and experience. [13:58]

2 Timothy 1:10 (ESV): "And which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

Reflection: In what ways can you live out the reality of death being a defeated foe in your daily life, especially in moments of fear or anxiety?


Day 4: The Present Reality of the Resurrection
The resurrection not only assures believers of eternal life but also transforms their present reality. It empowers them to live with hope and confidence, free from the fear of death. This transformative power of the resurrection is a present reality that enables believers to live triumphantly, even in the face of life's challenges. The Gospel is not just a message of hope for the future but a present reality that impacts every aspect of a believer's life, providing strength and courage to face the uncertainties of life with faith and assurance. [32:00]

Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: How can you embrace the newness of life that the resurrection offers in your daily routines and interactions with others?


Day 5: The Promise of a Glorified Existence
The promise of a glorified existence, free from sin and sorrow, is a central tenet of the Gospel. It offers believers a vision of eternal life with God, where they will see Him face to face. This hope is not just a distant future but a present reality that shapes the way believers live their lives today. The assurance of a glorified existence provides comfort and strength, enabling believers to endure the trials of life with the hope of a future where all things are made new. This vision of eternal life with God is a powerful motivator for living a life of faith and obedience. [41:39]

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life with the hope of a glorified existence, and how can this hope influence your interactions with others?

Quotes

Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again and that well and that water represent the world the world cannot satisfy us it lets us down just when we need it most of all but he contrasts that with what he himself has to give whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. [00:02:03]

The ultimate test of this gospel which we preach the ultimate test to apply to this statement of Our Lord in which he says that whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never know never thirst the ultimate test of the truth of that is does it help us and does it give us satisfaction face to face with this last this ultimate question. [00:05:46]

It is the gospel and the gospel alone that deals with the problem of death and the life beyond I'm making an exclusive claim whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again there's no answer but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never th it's exclusively the gospel that can help us at this particular point. [00:06:44]

The resurrection a literal rising from the dead the grave was empty as has often been said it is the best attested fact of history the grave was empty and he begins to appear to chosen Representatives but there's obviously a great change in it some of them didn't even recognize it something comparable to what had happened on the mount Transfiguration. [00:29:56]

The resurrection of the body here is one who has risen from the dead now the the preaching of the Resurrection is not a speculation it's not an idea suddenly thought of by certain people indeed his own chosen followers were utterly cast down and completely disconsolate they lost all hope until they see him this is the thing that puts them on their feet and transfigures them and transforms them. [00:30:42]

He has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through his gospel what does that mean well let me give you some headings only to guide your meditation this day and during the rest of of your life this is the thing to live by this is a living faith this is the way to be triumphant in life and death and everywhere. [00:32:39]

The Christian doesn't die the Christian falls on sleep we shall not all sleep says the Apostle the Christian doesn't die The Sting has been taken out of it he in a physical sense he dies but he doesn't taste the bitterness of death the horror and the condemnation and the realization of his folly he spared all that as our Lord put it in Lazarus and D he's carried on Angels Wings to Abram's bosom. [00:36:11]

He not only has removed the terror of death and the grave from us he also guarantees our Rising this is the wonderful teaching he has risen and all who believe in him will rise also we are in him we are risen in a sense already with him if our Earthly House of this Tabernacle be dissolved we are the house of God a building of God a house not made with hens Eternal in the heavens. [00:36:45]

Christ's rising from the dead has changed the whole aspect of death for those who are Christian he says he's in a straight between two to stay with them is the best thing for them but as for me he says he would much sooner go to be with Christ Which is far better for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain death is no Terror death is just a little rivulet now that separates this land of sin and W from that land of pure Delights where Saints Immortal Reign. [00:37:24]

He has abolished death he's defeated death but beyond that he has brought life and immortality to light through his gospel I have't time to deal with this as I'd like to but if you're not thrilled at the thought of this and at the very sound of it I take leave to ask you to examine whether you're a Christian at all he's not only defeated death he's brought life and in corruption to light through his Gospel. [00:39:38]

Life Not Mere continuous existence not merely the gibbering that the spir ISS speak of and the smoking of cigars and drinking of whiskey that's not life that's the existence that people have in this world that's not it life full living full being a real life oh our Lord put it like this in those amazing words let not your heart be troubled ye believe in God believe also in me in my father's house are many mentions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you. [00:40:09]

There shall we see his face and never never sin there from the rivers of his grace drink endless Pleasures in that's what he's opened for us he's brought this to light real life oh let me read it to you from the book of God after this I beheld and low a great multitude which no men could number of all Nations and kindreds and people and tongue stood Before the Throne and before the lamb clothed with robes and Palms in their hands and cried with a loud voice saying salvation to our god which sth upon the throne and unto the lamb. [00:41:39]

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Transcript
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